United Kingdom has appointed David Reed as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and His Majesty’s Consul General to Istanbul.

The appointment, announced by the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, will take effect on 13 April 2026, placing Reed at the centre of the UK’s trade diplomacy across a region spanning more than 380 million people.

Reed’s appointment reflects both his extensive diplomatic experience and the UK government’s increasing focus on expanding trade and investment ties beyond traditional markets.

David Reed joined the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in 2003, having previously worked in the City of London as a commercial lawyer.

During his diplomatic career, he has served in the Republic of Cyprus, France and Poland, where he was Deputy Head of Mission. His last overseas posting was as Deputy High Commissioner to Canada from 2018 to 2022, where he focused on trade and investment and on the broader economic relationship, including on economic security and climate change.

Before assuming his current position as Trade Commissioner for Eastern Europe, Reed served as Sanctions Director at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

According to Reed, taking on the role of His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Eastern Europe and Central Asia is an exciting opportunity.

“Working with our teams across the region and colleagues across government, I look forward to reinforcing partnerships, promoting investment, and helping UK companies succeed in these markets. For me, this role is ultimately about creating jobs and improving livelihoods, and I’m proud to have that opportunity.”
David Reed

Reed succeeds Kenan Poleo, who has held the position since September 2021. During his tenure, Poleo worked to strengthen trade ties and support UK businesses operating internationally, overseeing efforts to expand the UK’s commercial footprint across multiple markets.

Reflecting on his tenure, Kenan Poleo described the role as a great honour.

“It has been a privilege to serve as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Eastern Europe and Central Asia and Consul General to Istanbul, working with an exceptional team across the region to strengthen trade ties and support UK businesses internationally.”
Kenan Poleo

UK Strengthens Trade Strategy in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

The United Kingdom is sharpening its trade strategy by turning its attention toward high-growth and strategically positioned markets in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, as it seeks to diversify economic partnerships and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

This shift reflects a broader recalibration within the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), which is prioritizing regions that offer both long-term commercial potential and geopolitical significance. Eastern Europe and Central Asia, in particular, present a compelling yet complex landscape for engagement.

The region spans a wide spectrum of economies, ranging from highly developed European Union member states with advanced industrial bases to emerging markets rich in natural resources and undergoing structural economic transformation.

Such diversity creates both opportunity and constraint. While some markets provide immediate avenues for investment and trade expansion, others require sustained engagement to navigate regulatory barriers, institutional capacity gaps, and evolving policy frameworks.

As a result, the UK’s approach is increasingly defined by a balance between ambition and pragmatism tailoring trade policy to reflect differing levels of market maturity and economic governance across the region.

Central to delivering this strategy is the role of the His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

The HMTC operates at the intersection of diplomacy and commerce, coordinating the UK government’s overseas efforts to promote trade, investment, and broader economic prosperity.

Working closely with ambassadors, diplomatic missions, and cross-government partners, the Trade Commissioner holds overarching responsibility for all DBT operations across the region. This includes driving the growth of bilateral trade and investment relationships, improving market access for British businesses particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and shaping finance and trade policy frameworks that support UK commercial interests abroad.

The role also involves aligning UK-based policy priorities with on-the-ground market intelligence, ensuring that trade initiatives are both strategically coherent and operationally effective. By leveraging the wider diplomatic network, the HMTC is positioned to identify emerging opportunities, mitigate risks, and strengthen the UK’s economic footprint across a region that is becoming increasingly important to global trade dynamics.

As geopolitical and economic uncertainties continue to reshape global markets, the UK’s intensified focus on Eastern Europe and Central Asia signals a deliberate effort to broaden its trade horizons, deepen strategic partnerships, and secure sustainable economic growth.